Red Cards and Frustration

The kick off was delayed by 15 minutes due to match officials being caught in a motorway hold up. This didn't deter Hungerord from making a fast start though. After only 3 minutes a through ball from Joe Shepherd found Crusaders top scorer Conor McDonagh free in the box and he fired past Tiverton’s keeper Zak Baker.

Tiverton struck back only 8 minutes later though when a penalty was awarded for a handball by Joe Shepherd in a crowded box after a corner which Hungerford failed to clear. Joe Parker slotted the spot kick home for the equalizer.

On the half hour Hungerford keeper Ryan Clarke produced a brilliant save from Matt Britton to keep the scores level but it was a scrappy end to the half that started with so much attacking promise.

The second half turned on two decisions, first a sending off for Jacob Gardiner-Smith for a second yellow after a rash challenge especially for a player already on a yellow card. Then Elis Watts seemed to be pushed over in the box by Jamie Richards but referee Daniel Malyon waved away home protests. Two big calls in the space of five minutes made a hostile atmosphere at Bulpit Lane for Mr Malyon

With an extra man Tiverton took control and scored when Matt berry-hargreaves put the ball into his own net under pressure from Parker. The away team looked to take charge with Hungerford failing to keep possession but the home defence marshaled by the excellent Ryan Clarke held firm

Towards the end and perhaps a now frustrated Hungerford skipper Berry Hargreaves also got sent off for dissent towards the referee after Hungerford were again punished for an innocuous looking challenge when trying to build an attack. A crazy end to a terrible day at Bulpit Lane for Hungerford.

Team: Clarke, Stanley, Paget, Jarra, Berry-Hargreaves, Gardiner-Smith, Shepherd, Lopes (Dugan), Watts, McDonagh, Sambu (Hooper)

Subs Not Used : Harvey, De St Criox, Softley

Star Man - Ryan Clarke
Attendance 355